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Multicasting using a multitiered distributed virtual bridge hierarchy

a distributed virtual bridge and multi-tiered technology, applied in the field of data communication, can solve problems such as configuration and management challenges, server computers may experience transmission bottlenecks and delays, and may not have the capacity to allocate routing resources, so as to facilitate lossless, in-order data frame delivery, and reduce link utilization.

Active Publication Date: 2012-09-20
HEWLETT-PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method and apparatus for forwarding multicast data frames using a distributed virtual bridge. The technical effects of this invention include improved bandwidth utilization, reduced link utilization, and improved management efficiencies. Additionally, the invention allows for consistent multicast group membership and reduces the number of multicast data frames being forwarded.

Problems solved by technology

For example, contention for routing resources may exist when server computers are housed within racks for space and connectivity considerations, such as in a blade server computer arrangement.
The server computers may experience transmission bottlenecks and delays when forwarding data frames through centralized switches, such as shared top of rack switches.
Increasing the number of switches and associated connections to accommodate additional traffic may present configuration and management challenges, as well as increase hardware costs and latency.
For example, an increased number of switches may burden a centralized switch used to replicate and distribute data frames throughout a network.

Method used

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  • Multicasting using a multitiered distributed virtual bridge hierarchy
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  • Multicasting using a multitiered distributed virtual bridge hierarchy

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0020]Multicasting within a highly scaled environment may be facilitated by using a multi-stage, multicast hierarchy that includes multiple distributed switches, or bridge elements. Multicasting, or multicast addressing, is a network technology for delivering information to a group of destinations simultaneously by creating copies that are sent to the multiple destinations. Each bridge element may maintain a cache of multicast groups and their respective members.

[0021]A bridge element may receive a multicast data frame and determine that an appropriate multicast group list is present within the cache. The bridge element may replicate and communicate the multicast data frame to each destination network adaptor or other computing node that is attached directly to the bridge element. The bridge element may additionally replicate and communicate the multicast data frame to each multicast engine of each bridge element that is located on the same microchip, or other physical enclosure, as...

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Abstract

Systems and methods to multicast data frames are provided. A particular apparatus includes a plurality of computing nodes and a distributed virtual bridge. The distributed virtual bridge includes a plurality of bridge elements coupled to the plurality of computing nodes. The plurality of bridge elements are configured to forward a copy of a multicast data frame to the plurality of computing nodes using group member information associated with addresses of the plurality of server computers. A controlling bridge coupled to the plurality of bridge elements is configured to communicate the group member information to the plurality of bridge elements.

Description

I. CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application is a continuation patent application of, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 767,481 filed on Apr. 26, 2010 and entitled “Multicasting Using a Multitiered Distributed Virtual Bridge Hierarchy,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.II. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to data communications, and more specifically, to multicasting data frames within a highly integrated environment.III. BACKGROUND[0003]Server computers may be continuously managed to enable access to shared switches and other traffic routing resources. For example, contention for routing resources may exist when server computers are housed within racks for space and connectivity considerations, such as in a blade server computer arrangement. The server computers may experience transmission bottlenecks and delays when forwarding data frames through centralized switches, such as s...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H04L12/56
CPCH04L45/16H04L12/4625
Inventor ARMSTRONG, WILLIAM J.BASSO, CLAUDECORS, JOSEPLUCKE, KYLE A.SHEDIVY, DAVID A.VALK, KENNETH M.WALK, BRUCE M.
Owner HEWLETT-PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
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